The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed rare criticism of a new law backed by President Vladmir Putin which prohibits the beating of family members, arguing that parents should have the right to subject children to “physical punishments”.

President Putin signed the legislation, which relates to beatings that cause pain but no physical harm, into effect on Monday.

The Church’s family, mothers’ and children’s commission said it was “deeply troubled” by the new law, arguing that it was a violation of Holy Scripture.

•Excerpted from a Times of London report. Photo shows President Putin of Russia.